Sobolev is a smaller defender who likes to get involved in the rush. He has solid skating ability with quick strides and decent top-level speed. He won’t wow anyone with his puck skills and passing ability but he makes smart and calculated passes that allow his team to transition from defense to offense with relative ease. He needs to play with more confidence, he second guesses his decisions a little too frequently and it causes him some trouble at both ends of the ice. He loves to pinch and hold the offensive blue line but too often he hesitates and allows himself to be beat, if he can learn to trust his instincts more, he will be a much more effective player on the offensive side of the puck. In the defensive zone he knows where to position himself, but he can become puck focuses and wander out of position or just lose his assignment and leave an open player at the net front. He likes to engage in 50/50 puck battles but needs to learn to pick his spots a little better. There are skills in his game that will translate to the next level but there is quite a bit of polishing to do in order to round out his game and get him ready for professional hockey.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide